A Quick and Painless Reminder: The Pharmacotherapy of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Primary Practice

Linda Brand
North West-University

De Wet Wolmarans
North-West University

Sarel J Brand
North-West University

Keywords:
rheumatoid arthritis, pharmacotherapy

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis, an auto-immune disorder, is characterised by chronic inflammation of the joints, synovial hyperplasia and bone erosion. These pathological features are promoted by a synovial microenvironment featuring B-cell and T-cell infiltrate, synovial fibroblasts and an intricate network of pro-inflammatory cellular messengers – prominent molecular role-players that represent critical targets in the pharmacotherapy of the disease. This review offers a brief overview of the etiopathology of rheumatoid arthritis while focussing on the practical aspects of methotrexate and glucocorticoid use that are of relevance for primary practice.

Author Biographies

Linda Brand, North West-University

Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences
Division of Pharmacology
Faculty of Health Sciences
North West-University

De Wet Wolmarans, North-West University

Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences
Division of Pharmacology
Faculty of Health Sciences
North-West University
Potchefstroom

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